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3.51 AVERAGE
3.51 AVERAGE
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is the shortest of Dostoyevsky's novels and in many ways his most bizarre, even more bizarre than "Crime and Punishment". It is the story of a Russian civil servant who lives a normal, mundane existence until he is confronted by what the Germans refer to as a "doppelganger" or an evil twin. This younger version of himself takes over his job and poisons his relationships. It is the hero's job to confront his double and take back his life. The crux of the plot of his novel is the hero's attempt to do this and the fascinating results of his efforts.
In many ways, "The Double" is more reminiscent of the works of Golgol than of Dostoyevsky. The fascinating interaction of the supernatural in the day to day life of Russia under the Czars makes the reader think hard about the nature of life. What is life really all about? What kinds of forces oppose us in our daily lives? Indeed, while this novel is not really appropriate for young children, it would be fascinating to read this with a teenager and get their take on the story.
I would highly recommend this novel to readers of bizarre novels as well as fans of Russian literature.
In many ways, "The Double" is more reminiscent of the works of Golgol than of Dostoyevsky. The fascinating interaction of the supernatural in the day to day life of Russia under the Czars makes the reader think hard about the nature of life. What is life really all about? What kinds of forces oppose us in our daily lives? Indeed, while this novel is not really appropriate for young children, it would be fascinating to read this with a teenager and get their take on the story.
I would highly recommend this novel to readers of bizarre novels as well as fans of Russian literature.
"Anxiety and ignorance about anything that closely concerned him always tormented him more than the thing concerned itself." Filled with twists and turns and a whole lot of surprises, The Double is an insight on societal norms and bureaucracy.
Golyadkin Sr lamented a life where he was more outgoing, driven and determined. Upon leaving yet another social event that saw his socially awkward self, Golyadkin bumped into his doppelganger. While they learn to co-exist at first, Golyadkin soon observed that his double is not as he seemed, and soon sees the latter as his mortal enemy.
The book is fast-paced and driven, which the reader constantly enjoying the omniscient narrator's stream of consciousness. This novella is an insightful exploration on the effects of a very structured bureaucracy, and the pressure it exerted onto the bureaucrats and eventually, society in general. With the inclusion on mental health, the story blends well into an unforgettable, important classic novella.
Golyadkin Sr lamented a life where he was more outgoing, driven and determined. Upon leaving yet another social event that saw his socially awkward self, Golyadkin bumped into his doppelganger. While they learn to co-exist at first, Golyadkin soon observed that his double is not as he seemed, and soon sees the latter as his mortal enemy.
The book is fast-paced and driven, which the reader constantly enjoying the omniscient narrator's stream of consciousness. This novella is an insightful exploration on the effects of a very structured bureaucracy, and the pressure it exerted onto the bureaucrats and eventually, society in general. With the inclusion on mental health, the story blends well into an unforgettable, important classic novella.
This book increased my anxiety, I guess that's a testament to it
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
slow-paced
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
i mean, it's very dostoevsky. when you look at the themes the book deals with, that is. despite not being quite as good as some of his other work, i really liked it still. that might be because i enjoy stories about things such as a character living a double life, or having a doppleganger or a twin. anything of the sort, truly. so this appealed to me and kept me engaged ^^ as always, dostoevsky knows how to write a character well, because the psychology of golyadkin is super intriguing. i can also definitely see what people mean when they talk about the gogol esque elements of the story.